Michael Bisping: Former UFC middleweight champion retires after 14 years in the octagon

He became the first Brit to become a UFC champion when he beat Luke Rockhold in June 2016

By Richard Forrester

29th May 2018, 8:56 am

Updated: 29th May 2018, 10:03 am

FORMER UFC world champion Michael Bisping has retired after 14 years in the octagon.

The 39-year-old Brit, known as the Count, has not fought since his first-round knockout loss to Kevin Gastelum in November, which sparked rumours he was considering calling time on his illustrious career.

Bisping celebrates his UFC title win after his shock victory over Luke Rockhold

"You know, you’ve got to know when to walk away. I’m almost 40 years old, the time is now. So, I want to say, first of all, thank you to my wife.

"Without her, it wouldn’t have happened. That’s a fact. She was incredible every single step of the way. My children. My dad. My dad was amazing. And of course everyone in the UK and around the world that supported me.

“So, yeah, there you go. Great career. That’s that. Thank you everybody.”

Michael Bisping has officially retired. What a career. Soooo many memories. I’ll never forget he and I were talking at The Palms, before the Jason Miller fight, he stopped me midsentence and said, “You hear that? Jason. I hate that guy.” Miller walked in a minute later.

Michael Bisping had that damn strut. That cocksure strut. You hated him for it. You loved him for it. Sometimes you weren't exactly certain which, or why. But wasn't he fun to watch fight? Yes he was. Michael Bisping will be missed. You can count on it.